Apparatus and method for treating a reference signal to present a synthesized output signal

ABSTRACT

An apparatus employing control words to present a synthesized output signal having an output frequency and a delay with respect to an input signal includes: (a) A multiplexer receiving the input signal and having an output and an address input. (b) An output unit generates the output signal in response to a drive signal from the multiplexer. (c) A first register coupled with the multiplexer output. (d) A second register coupled with the multiplexer and the first register. The first register responds to a multiplexer output signal to provide a first control signal to the second register based upon the control words. The second register responds to the multiplexer output signal to provide a second control signal to the address input based upon the first control signal and the control words. The multiplexer presents the drive signal in response to the second control signal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to frequency synthesizers, and especially to frequency synthesizers treating a reference input signal to present a synthesized output signal having an output frequency and a delay with respect to the input reference signal that is related with at least one control word.

One representative known circuit arrangement for effecting signal synthesis is known as a “Flying Adder” frequency synthesis architecture. The architecture is described in “An Architecture of High Performance Frequency and Phase Synthesis”, by Hugh Mair and Liming Xiu; IEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits, Vol. 35, No. 6, June 2000. Mair and Xiu describe a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) presenting a VCO input reference signal having thirty-two phases as an input signal to a multiplexer device.

Referring preliminarily to FIG. 1 (FIG. 1 is described in greater detail below), a frequency synthesis section includes a frequency synthesizer multiplexer device that selects one of the thirty-two phases of the VCO input reference signal to present a drive signal V_(MUX) to trigger a toggle flip-flop and generate a frequency output signal CLK having a rising edge and a falling edge. A control word FREQ <9:0> (a digital word) determines the time (i.e., the number of phases) that should elapse between two adjacent selections of address by the frequency synthesizer multiplexer device. A frequency synthesis register provides and memorizes the extant selection address of the frequency synthesizer multiplexer device. Drive signal V_(MUX) is applied as a clocking signal for the frequency synthesis register. The next subsequent frequency synthesizer multiplexer selection address stored in the frequency synthesis register is the sum of the extant selection address and the control word FREQ <9:0>.

Additionally, the multiple VCO phases may be programmed to obtain a delay with respect to the input reference signal using a delay synthesis section that includes a delay synthesizer multiplexer device that selects one of the thirty-two phases of the VCO input reference signal to present a drive signal V_(MUX-D) to trigger a toggle flip-flop and generate a delay output signal CLK-D. A control word DELAY <4:0> (also a digital word) determines the incremental value (i.e., the number of phases) to be added to the frequency synthesizer multiplexer selection address. A delay synthesis register provides and memorizes the extant selection address (frequency address plus the delay shift) for the delay synthesizer multiplexer device. Drive signal V_(MUX-D) is applied as a clocking signal for the delay synthesis register.

A result is that both the drive signals V_(MUX), V_(MUX-D) have the same frequency that is determined by control word FREQ <9:0>. However, the rising edge of drive signal V_(MUX-D) is determined by control word DELAY <4:0> and may therefore differ from the rising edge of drive signal V_(MUX). If drive signal V_(MUX) (which is always earlier than V_(MUX-D)), is offset with respect to drive signal V_(MUX-D) by an amount less than computation time of the adder summing the two inputs (extant address in the frequency synthesizer multiplexer device and control word DELAY <4:0>), a timing violation may be produced that will render the apparatus inoperative.

The requirement for using two multiplexing devices and the disparately timed clocking signals for the frequency synthesis register and the delay synthesis register contribute to disadvantages for signal synthesis apparatuses of the type represented in FIG. 1. Among the disadvantages are high part count and consequent large die area required for implementing the circuitry. A further disadvantage is the possible timing violation that may occur because of the disparately timed clocking signals used for the frequency synthesis register and the delay synthesis register.

There is a need for an apparatus and method for treating an input signal to present a synthesized output signal related with at least one control word that can occupy smaller die area and employ fewer parts than prior art such apparatuses.

There is a further need for an apparatus and method for treating an input signal to present a synthesized output signal related with a control word that does not suffer a risk of possible timing violation during operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An apparatus employing control words to present a synthesized output signal having an output frequency and a delay with respect to an input signal includes: (a) A multiplexer receiving the input signal and having an output and an address input. (b) An output unit coupled with the multiplexer generates the output signal in response to a drive signal from the multiplexer. (c) A first register coupled with the multiplexer output. (d) A second register coupled with the multiplexer output, the multiplexer address input and the first register. The first register responds to a multiplexer output signal to provide a first control signal to the second register based upon the control words. The second register responds to the multiplexer output signal to provide a second control signal to the multiplexer address input based upon the first control signal and the control words. The multiplexer presents the drive signal in response to the second control signal.

A method is employing at least one control word for treating an input reference signal to present a synthesized output signal. The output signal has an output frequency and a delay with respect to the input reference signal. The output frequency and the delay are related with at least one control word. The method begins with the step of (a) in no particular order: (1) providing a multiplexer unit for receiving the input reference signal; the multiplexer has a multiplexer output locus and receives address selection signals at an address selection locus; (2) providing an output unit coupled with the multiplexer output locus; (3) providing a first register unit coupled with the multiplexer output locus; and (4) providing a second register unit coupled with the multiplexer output locus, coupled with the multiplexer input and coupled with the first register output. The method continues with the steps of (b) operating the first register unit to respond to a multiplexer output signal from the multiplexer output locus to provide a first clocked control signal to the second register unit; the first clocked control signal being based upon at least a first portion of the at least one control word; (c) operating the second register unit to respond to the multiplexer output to provide a second clocked control signal to the multiplexer address selection locus; the second clocked control signal being based upon the first clocked control signal and at least a portion of the at least another control word; (d) operating the multiplexer unit to present a drive signal in response to the second clocked control signal; and (e) operating the output unit to generate the output signal in response to the drive signal.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for treating an input signal to present a synthesized output signal related with at least one control word that can occupy smaller die area and employ fewer parts than prior art such apparatuses.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for treating an input signal to present a synthesized output signal related with a control word that does not suffer a risk of possible timing violation during operation.

Further objects and features of the present invention will be apparent from the following specification and claims when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are labeled using like reference numerals in the various figures, illustrating the preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an electrical schematic diagram illustrating a representative prior art frequency and delay synthesis apparatus.

FIG. 2 is an electrical schematic diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a frequency and delay synthesis apparatus configured according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an electrical schematic diagram illustrating a second embodiment of a frequency and delay synthesis apparatus configured according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating the method of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 is an electrical schematic diagram illustrating a representative prior art frequency and delay synthesis apparatus. In FIG. 1, a frequency and delay synthesis apparatus 10 includes a frequency synthesis section 12 and a delay synthesis section 14. Frequency synthesis section 12 includes a multiplexer unit 20, a register unit 22, a summing unit 24 and an output unit embodied in a toggle flip-flop unit 26. Delay synthesis section 14 includes a multiplexer unit 30, a register unit 32, a summing unit 34 and an output unit embodied in a toggle flip-flop unit 36.

Multiplexer unit 20 receives an output signal VCOOUT <31:0> from a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) at an input locus 40. The notation <31:0> indicates that signal VCOOUT <31:0> has 32 bits (i.e., bits “0” to “31”), and of those bits, bit “31” is the most significant bit (MSB) and bit “0” is the least significant bit (LSB). The 32 bits of signal VCOOUT <31:0> related to 32 output phases from a VCO (not shown in FIG. 1). Multiplexer unit 20 selects one of the 32 phases of signal VCOOUT <31:0> according to an address contained in a control signal applied at a control input 42 to present a drive signal V_(MUX) at an output locus 44. Drive signal V_(MUX) toggles flip-flop 26 to generate a rising or falling edge of a frequency output signal CLK presented at an apparatus output locus 46.

Drive signal V_(MUX) is provided to a clocking locus 23 of register unit 22 as a clocking signal to register unit 22. The extant signal present at control input 42 is provided to summing unit 24. In this delivery of the extant signal present at control input 42, the extant address selecting among bits in signal VCOOUT <31:0> is provided to summing unit 24. Also provided to summing unit 24 is a frequency synthesis control word FREQ <9:0>. The notation <9:0> indicates that control word FREQ <9:0> has 10 bits (i.e., bits “0” to “9”), and of those bits, bit “9” is the most significant bit (MSB) and bit “0” is the least significant bit (LSB). In this exemplary apparatus 10 control word FREQ <9:0> has 5 integer bits (preferably the 5 MSBs) and 5 fraction bits (preferably the 5 LSBs). The fraction bits are used in an accumulating function to get an integer bit over multiple cycles.

Summing unit 24 combines control word FREQ <9:0> with the extant address selecting among bits in signal VCOOUT <31:0> (received with the signal present at control input 42) to present a next multiplexer selection address. When drive signal V_(MUX) clocks register unit 22, the next multiplexer selection address is provided to control input 42 for use by multiplexer unit 20 to select a next phase of signal VCOOUT <31:0>. In this manner, control word FREQ <9:0> determines the time (i.e., the number of phases of signal VCOOUT <31:0>) that elapses between the extant address (provided to summing unit 24 at control input 42) and the next multiplexer address (to be stored in register unit 22). The phases that elapse between the extant address and the next multiplexer address determine the time difference between succeeding clock edges of frequency output signals CLK. Providing that control word FREQ <9:0> includes 5 integer bits and 5 fraction bits permits increased granularity in determination of the time that elapses between the extant address and the next multiplexer address.

Multiplexer unit 30 receives output signal VCOOUT <31:0> at an input locus 50. Multiplexer unit 30 selects one of the 32 phases of signal VCOOUT <31:0> according to an address contained in a control signal applied at a control input 52 to present a drive signal V_(MUX-D) at an output locus 54. Drive signal V_(MUX-D) toggles flip-flop 36 to generate a rising or falling edge of a delay output signal CLK-D presented at an apparatus output locus 56.

Drive signal V_(MUX-D) is provided to a clocking locus 33 of register unit 32 as a clocking signal to register unit 32. The extant signal present at control input 42 of multiplexer 20 is provided to summing unit 34. In this delivery of the extant signal present at control input 42, the extant address selecting among bits in signal VCOOUT <31:0> in multiplexer unit 20 (and extant address is the basis of frequency output signal CLK) is provided to summing unit 34. Also provided to summing unit 34 is a delay synthesis control word DELAY <4:0>. The notation <4:0> indicates that control word DELAY <4:0> has 5 bits (i.e., bits “0” to “4”), and of those bits, bit “4” is the most significant bit (MSB) and bit “0” is the least significant bit (LSB).

Summing unit 34 combines control word DELAY <4:0> with the extant address selecting among bits in signal VCOOUT <31:0> (received with the signal present at control input 42) to present a next delay selection address. When drive signal V_(MUX-D) clocks register unit 32, the next delay selection address is provided to a control input 52 for use by multiplexer unit 30 to select a next phase of signal VCOOUT <31:0> for generating delay output signal CLK-D. Control word DELAY <4:0> determines the time (i.e., the number of phases of signal VCOOUT <31:0>) that elapses between the extant address (provided to summing unit 34 from control input 42) and the next delay selection address (to be stored in register unit 32). The time that elapses between the extant address and the next delay selection address determines the change in delay represented by phase difference between output signals CLK-D and CLK.

Using two multiplexer units 20, 30 and two flip-flop units 26, 36 creates an immediate disadvantage for apparatus 10. A higher part count increases cost of manufacture, requires larger die area and provides greater opportunity for breakdown of apparatus 10 than would be present in an apparatus employing fewer parts.

As briefly discussed earlier herein, another disadvantage is present in the structure of apparatus 10 because the use of different clocking signals V_(MUX), V_(MUX-D) for register units 22, 32 gives rise to possibility of disparate timing between clocking of register units 22, 32. Drive signal V_(MUX) and drive signal V_(MUX-D) have the same frequency that is determined by control word FREQ <9:0>. However, the rising edge of drive signal V_(MUX-D) is determined by control word DELAY <4:0> and may therefore differ from the rising edge of drive signal V_(MUX). If drive signal V_(MUX) is offset with respect to drive signal V_(MUX-D), by an amount less than computation time of the summing unit 34 summing the two inputs (extant address in the frequency synthesizer multiplexer device and control word DELAY <4:0>) in delay synthesis section 14, a timing violation may be produced that will render apparatus 10 inoperative.

FIG. 2 is an electrical schematic diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a frequency and delay synthesis apparatus configured according to the teachings of the present invention; In FIG. 2, a frequency and delay synthesis apparatus 60 includes a frequency synthesis section 62 and a delay synthesis section 64. Frequency synthesis section 62 includes a multiplexer unit 70, a register unit 72 and an output unit embodied in a toggle flip-flop unit 76. Register unit 72 includes a register device 73 and a summing unit 74. Delay synthesis section 64 shares multiplexer unit 70 and toggle flip-flop unit 76 with frequency synthesis section 62. Delay synthesis section 64 includes a register unit 82. Register unit 82 includes a register device 83 and a summing unit 84.

Multiplexer unit 70 receives an output signal VCOOUT <31:0> from a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) at an input locus 90. The notation <31:0> indicates that signal VCOOUT <31:0> has 32 bits (i.e., bits “0” to “31”), and of those bits, bit “31” is the most significant bit (MSB) and bit “0” is the least significant bit (LSB). The 32 bits of signal VCOOUT <31:0> related to 32 output phases from a VCO (not shown in FIG. 2). Multiplexer unit 70 selects one of the 32 phases of signal VCOOUT <31:0> according to an address contained in a control signal applied at a control input 92 to present a drive signal V_(MUX1) at an output locus 94. Drive signal V_(MUX1) toggles flip-flop 76 to generate a rising or falling edge of an output signal CLK1 presented at an apparatus output locus 96.

Drive signal V_(MUX1) is provided at a clocking locus 75 of register device 73 as a clocking signal to register device 73. Output from register 73 represents the extant frequency synthesis address bits for use by multiplexer unit 70 for frequency-contribution in selecting a value among signal VCOOUT <31:0> for producing drive signal V_(MUX1) to generate output signal CLK1. Extant frequency synthesis address bits from register 73 include, by way of example and not by way of limitation, 5 integer bits appearing on a line 98 and 5 fraction bits appearing on a line 99. These extant frequency address bits are provided to summing unit 74 via a feedback line 97. Also provided to summing unit 74 is a frequency synthesis control word FREQ <9:0>. The notation <9:0> indicates that control word FREQ <9:0> has 10 bits (i.e., bits “0” to “9”), and of those bits, bit “9” is the most significant bit (MSB) and bit “0” is the least significant bit (LSB). In this exemplary apparatus 60 control word FREQ <9:0> has 5 integer bits (preferably the 5 MSBs) and 5 fraction bits (preferably the 5 LSBs). The fraction bits are used in an accumulating function to get an integer bit over multiple cycles. Summing unit 74 combines control word FREQ <9:0> with the extant frequency synthesis address bits to present a next frequency selection address. When drive signal V_(MUX1) clocks register unit 73, the next frequency selection address is provided to summing unit 84. In this manner, control word FREQ <9:0> determines the time (i.e., the number of phases of signal VCOOUT <31:0>) that elapses between the extant frequency selection address and the next frequency selection address (to be stored in register unit 73). The time that elapses between the extant address and the next frequency selection address determines the frequency of CLK1. Providing that control word FREQ <9:0> includes 5 integer bits and 5 fraction bits permits increased granularity in determination of the time that elapses between the extant address and the next multiplexer address.

Summing unit 84 receives succeeding frequency selection addresses or signals from register device 73 as register 73 is clocked by drive signal V_(MUX1). Also provided to summing unit 84 is a delay synthesis control word DELAY <4:0>. The notation <4:0> indicates that control word DELAY <4:0> has 5 bits (i.e., bits “0” to “4”), and of those bits, bit “4” is the most significant bit (MSB) and bit “0” is the least significant bit (LSB).

Summing unit 84 combines control word DELAY <4:0> with the extant frequency selection address to present an aggregate selection address at control input 92 to multiplexer unit 70. The aggregate selection address is a composite selecting signal involving frequency synthesis characteristics related with frequency control word FREQ <9:0> and involving delay synthesis characteristics related with delay control word DELAY <4:0>. When drive signal V_(MUX1) clocks register device 83, the next aggregate selection address is provided to control input 92 for use by multiplexer unit 70 to select a next phase of signal VCOOUT <31:0> for generating output signal CLK1. Control word DELAY <4:0> determines the time (i.e., the number of phases of signal VCOOUT <31:0>) that elapses between the extant frequency selection address (provided to summing unit 84 from register device 73) and the next aggregate selection address (stored in register unit 83).

Use of a single multiplexer unit 70 and clocking both register devices 73, 83 with drive signal V_(MUX1) in synthesis apparatus 60 avoids the shortcomings and disadvantages described in connection with prior art synthesis apparatus 10 (FIG. 1) so that the possibility of disparate timing between clocking of register units 73, 83 is eliminated. As a result, no timing violation may be produced with respect to either of summing units 74, 84.

Selection performed by multiplexer unit 70 is controlled by a multi-bit address, as described above. It is known that multi-bit address switching can take time because not all bits necessarily switch at the same time. Some settling time is recommended to ensure true selection by a multiplexer such as multiplexer unit 70. A solution to this problem is to provide a duplex multiplexing architecture so that one multiplexer unit can be engaged in the process of switching address bits while the other multiplexer unit can be driving an output flip-flop unit. The apparatus illustrated in FIG. 3 is an exemplary representation of such a duplex multiplexing architecture employing the teachings of the present invention.

Apparatus 10 (FIG. 1) and apparatus 60 (FIG. 2) are described herein to illustrate the advantage of providing a single clocking signal to register units provided for frequency synthesis and for delay synthesis. A significant difference between apparatus 10 (FIG. 1) and apparatus 60 (FIG. 2) is that apparatus 10 generates two clock signals with an intended phase relation, while apparatus 60 (FIG. 2) generates one clock signal with a capability for phase adjustment with respect to a preceding clock edge of the signal. Apparatus 10 and apparatus 60 are not direct replacement apparatuses for each other without additional supporting circuitry.

FIG. 3 is an electrical schematic diagram illustrating a second embodiment of a frequency and delay synthesis apparatus configured according to the teachings of the present invention. In FIG. 3, a frequency and delay synthesis apparatus 100 includes a frequency synthesis section 102 and a delay synthesis section 104. Frequency synthesis section 102 includes multiplexer units 120, 122, a register unit 121 and an output unit 125. Output unit 125 is embodied in a toggle flip-flop unit 126 and a two-to-one multiplexer unit 128. Register unit 121 includes a register device 123 and a summing unit 124. Delay synthesis section 104 shares multiplexer units 120, 122 and output unit 125 with frequency synthesis section 102. Delay synthesis section 104 includes a register unit 129. Register unit 129 register devices 130, 132, 134, 136, 138 and summing units 140, 142.

Each of multiplexer units 120, 122 receives an output signal VCOOUT <31:0> from a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) at an input locus 150. The notation <31:0> indicates that signal VCOOUT <31:0> has 32 bits (i.e., bits “0” to “31”), and of those bits, bit “31” is the most significant bit (MSB) and bit “0” is the least significant bit (LSB). The 32 bits of signal VCOOUT <31:0> related to 32 output phases from a VCO (not shown in FIG. 3). Multiplexer unit 120 selects one of the 32 phases of signal VCOOUT <31:0> according to an address contained in a control signal applied at a control input 152 to present a drive signal V_(MUX2) at an output locus 154. Multiplexer unit 122 selects one of the 32 phases of signal VCOOUT <31:0> according to an address contained in a control signal applied at a control input 162 to present a drive signal V_(MUX1) at an output locus 164. Drive signals V_(MUX2), V_(MUX1) presented at output loci 154, 164 are applied to multiplexer unit 128. Multiplexer unit 128 selects one of the drive signals V_(MUX1), V_(MUX2) in response to output signal CLK2 to present a selected drive signal at an output locus 166. Specifically, in the exemplary apparatus illustrated in FIG. 3 by way of example and not by way of limitation, when output signal CLK2 is a “1”, multiplexer unit passes drive signal V_(MUX1) presented at output locus 164 of multiplexer unit 122 to output locus 166. When output signal CLK2 is a “0”, multiplexer unit passes drive signal V_(MUX2) presented at output locus 154 of multiplexer unit 120 to output locus 166. The selected drive signal V_(MUX1), V_(MUX2) presented at output locus 166 toggles flip-flop 126 to generate a rising or falling edge of an output signal CLK2 presented at an apparatus output locus 127.

Output signal CLK2 is provided at a clocking locus 125 of register device 123 as a clocking signal to register device 123. Output from register device 123 represents the extant frequency synthesis address bits for use (after two clock cycles) by multiplexer units 120, 122 for frequency-contribution in selecting a value among signal VCOOUT <31:0> for producing drive signals at output loci 154, 164 to generate output signal CLK2. Extant frequency synthesis address bits from register device 123 include, by way of example and not by way of limitation, 5 integer bits appearing on a line 168 and 5 fraction bits appearing on a line 169. These extant frequency address bits are provided to summing unit 124 via a feedback line 171. Also provided to summing unit 124 is a frequency synthesis control word FREQ <9:0>. The notation <9:0> indicates that control word FREQ <9:0> has 10 bits (i.e., bits “0” to “9”), and of those bits, bit “9” is the most significant bit (MSB) and bit “0” is the least significant bit (LSB). In this exemplary apparatus 100 control word FREQ <9:0> has 5 integer bits (preferably the 5 MSBs) and 5 fraction bits (preferably the 5 LSBs). The fraction bits are used in an accumulating function to get an integer bit over multiple cycles. Summing unit 124 combines control word FREQ <9:0> with the extant frequency synthesis address bits to present a next frequency selection address. When output signal CLK2 clocks register device 123, the next frequency selection address is provided to summing unit 140. In this manner, control word FREQ <9:0> determines the time (i.e., the number of phases of signal VCOOUT) that elapses between the extant frequency selection address and the next frequency selection address (to be stored in register device 123). The time that elapses between the extant address and the next frequency selection address determines the amount of phases in VCO <31:0> in one period time of output signals CLK2. Providing that control word FREQ <9:0> includes 5 integer bits and 5 fraction bits permits increased granularity in determination of the time that elapses between the extant address and the next multiplexer address.

Summing unit 140 receives succeeding frequency selection addresses or signals from register device 123 as register device 123 is clocked by output signal CLK2. Also provided to summing unit 140 is a delay synthesis control word DELAY <4:0>. The notation <4:0> indicates that control word DELAY <4:0> has 5 bits (i.e., bits “0” to “4”), and of those bits, bit “4” is the most significant bit (MSB) and bit “0” is the least significant bit (LSB). Control word DELAY <4:0> is stored in a register device 130. Output signal CLK2 is provided at a clocking locus 131 of register device 130 as a clocking signal to register device 130 to clockingly provide control word DELAY <4:0> to summing unit 140 in substantial synchrony with the clocking of the succeeding frequency selection addresses from register device 123.

Summing unit 140 combines control word DELAY <4:0> with the extant frequency selection address to present an aggregate selection address to register device 132. The aggregate selection address is a composite selecting signal involving frequency synthesis characteristics related with frequency control word FREQ <9:0> and involving delay synthesis characteristics related with delay control word DELAY <4:0>. Output signal CLK2 is provided at a clocking locus 133 of register device 132. When output signal CLK2 clocks register device 132, the next aggregate selection address is provided to register device 134 and is provided to summing unit 142.

One may observe that register devices 123, 132 and summing units 124, 140 are configured in an arrangement similar to the circuitry described in FIG. 2. Register device 123 is responsible for frequency generation and register device 132 is responsible for delay generation. Control word DELAY <4:0> is synchronized before it is provided to summing unit 140 by clocking control word DELAY <4:0> through register device 130. Register devices 123, 130, 132 are associated with multiplexer unit 120 and each of register devices 123, 130, 132 is clocked by a rising edge of output signal CLK2 because the drive signal presented at output locus 154 by multiplexer unit 120 is passed through multiplexer unit 128 to output locus 166 when CLK2 is equal to “0”. This clocking arrangement provides substantially a first one-half clock cycle time (measured by output signal CLK2) for multiplexer unit 120 to switch its address bits for selecting a phase of signal VCOOUT <31:0>.

The address applied to control input 152 of multiplexer unit 120 is changed only once during one clock cycle of output signal CLK2. This one address update or change triggers flip-flop 126 to generate one clock edge only (for example, a rising edge). In order to generate a full output clock signal it is necessary to employ multiplexer unit 122 to generate another clock edge (for example, a falling edge).

Register devices 136, 138 and summing unit 142 provide the other required clock edge. Summing unit 142 receives the next aggregate selection address from register device 132. Also provided to summing unit 142 is a half-clock-cycle control word FREQ <10:6>. Half-Clock-cycle control word FREQ <10:6> is obtained from a portion of control word FREQ <9:0>. Half-Clock-cycle control word FREQ <10:6> has 5 bits (i.e., bits “6” to “10”), and of those bits, bit “10” is the most significant bit (MSB) and bit “6” is the least significant bit (LSB). Half-clock-cycle control word FREQ <10:6> is generated by one-bit-right-shifting frequency control sword FREQ <9:5> and adding a zero in the tenth bit place (i.e., setting FREQ <10> to “0”). That is, adding a zero as a tenth bit to control word FREQ <9:5> to establish a bit FREQ <10> is effectively a one bit right shifting of word FREQ <9:5>. Since, in a binary number system, one bit right shifting is equivalent to dividing by two, the number of FREQ <10:6> is roughly half of the number of FREQ <9:5>. Therefore, FREQ <9:5> is called frequency control word and FREQ <10:6> is called half-clock-cycle control word. The summed signals from summing node 142 are provided to register device 136. The contents of register device 136 are clockingly provided to register device 138 as register device 136 is clocked by output signal CLK2 being applied to a clocking locus 137.

Output signal CLK2 is provided to an input locus 141 of an inverting device 143. Inverting device 143 provides an inverted output signal CLK2 at a clocking locus 139 of register device 138. Register devices 136, 138 are associated with multiplexer unit 122. The drive signal presented at output locus 164 by multiplexer unit 122 is passed through multiplexer unit 128 to output locus 166 when CLK2 is equal to “1”. Clocking register device 138 uses the inverse CLK2 of output signal CLK2. This clocking arrangement provides substantially a second one-half clock cycle time multiplexer unit 122 to switch its address bits for selecting a phase of signal VCOOUT <31:0>.

During a first one-half clock cycle, the contents of register device 134 are clockingly provided to control input 152 of multiplexer device 120 by output signal CLK2 being applied to a clocking locus 135 of register device 134. During this one-half clock cycle, output signal CLK2 has a value of “1” so multiplexer 128 passes the drive signal presented by multiplexer unit 122 at output locus 164 to output locus 166. The clocking signal CLK2 at clocking locus 139 has a value “0” so no bits are clocked out of register device 138. The switching of address bits in multiplexer unit 122 was completed and settled during the previous one-half clock cycle.

During a second one-half clock cycle, the contents of register device 138 are clockingly provided to control input 162 of multiplexer device 122 by the inverse CLK2 of output signal CLK2 being applied to clocking locus 139 of register device 138. During this second one-half clock cycle, output signal CLK2 has a value of “0” so multiplexer 128 passes the drive signal presented by multiplexer unit 120 at output locus 154 to output locus 166 and no bits are clocked out of register device 134. The switching of address bits in multiplexer unit 120 was completed and settled during the first one-half clock cycle. The first one-half clock cycle time during which multiplexer unit 120 switches address bits is preferably substantially mutually exclusive with respect to the second one-half clock cycle time during which multiplexer unit 122 switches address bits.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating the method of the present invention. In FIG. 4, a method 200 employing at least one control word for treating an input reference signal to present a synthesized output signal begins at a START locus 202. The output signal has an output frequency and a delay synthesized with respect to the input reference signal. The output frequency and the delay are related with the at least one control word. Method 200 continues with, in no particular order: (1) providing a multiplexer unit for receiving the input reference signal, as indicated by a block 204; the multiplexer unit has a multiplexer output locus and receives address selection signals at an address selection locus; (2) providing an output unit coupled with the multiplexer output locus, as indicated by a block 206; (3) providing a first register unit coupled with the multiplexer output locus, as indicated by a block 208; and (4) providing a second register unit coupled with the multiplexer output locus, coupled with the multiplexer address selection locus and coupled with the first register unit, as indicated by a block 210.

Method 200 continues by operating the first register unit to respond to a multiplexer output signal from the multiplexer output locus to provide a first clocked control signal to the second register unit, as indicated by a block 212. The first clocked control signal is based upon at least a first portion of the at least one control word. Method 200 continues by operating the second register unit to respond to the multiplexer output signal to provide a second clocked control signal to the multiplexer address selection locus, as indicated by a block 214. The second clocked control signal is based upon the first clocked control signal and at least a second portion of the at least one control word.

Method 200 continues by operating the multiplexer unit to present a drive signal in response to the second clocked control signal, as indicated by a block 216. Method 200 continues by operating the output unit to generate the output signal in response to the drive signal, as indicated by a block 218. Method 200 terminates at an END locus 220.

It is to be understood that, while the detailed drawings and specific examples given describe preferred embodiments of the invention, they are for the purpose of illustration only, that the apparatus and method of the invention are not limited to the precise details and conditions disclosed and that various changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention which is defined by the following claims: 

1. An apparatus employing at least one control word for treating an input reference signal to present a synthesized output signal; said output signal having an output frequency and a delay with respect to said input reference signal; said output frequency and said delay being related with said at least one control word; the apparatus comprising: (a) a multiplexer unit for receiving said input reference signal; said multiplexer unit having a multiplexer output locus; said multiplexer unit receiving address selection signals at an address selection locus; (b) an output unit coupled with said multiplexer unit; said output unit generating said output signal in response to a drive signal received from said multiplexer output locus; (c) a first register unit coupled with said multiplexer output locus; and (d) a second register unit coupled with said multiplexer output locus, coupled with said multiplexer address selection locus and coupled with said first register unit; said first register unit responding to a multiplexer output signal from said multiplexer output locus to provide a first clocked control signal to said second register unit; said first clocked control signal being based upon at least a first portion of said at least one control word; said second register unit responding to said multiplexer output signal to provide a second clocked control signal to said multiplexer address selection locus; said second clocked control signal being based upon said first clocked control signal and at least a second portion of said at least one control word; said multiplexer unit presenting said drive signal in response to said second clocked control signal.
 2. An apparatus employing at least one control word for treating an input reference signal to present a synthesized output signal as recited in claim 1 wherein said multiplexer output signal is said drive signal.
 3. An apparatus employing at least one control word for treating an input reference signal to present a synthesized output signal as recited in claim 1 wherein said at least one control word includes a frequency selecting control word and a delay selecting control word.
 4. An apparatus employing at least one control word for treating an input reference signal to present a synthesized output signal as recited in claim 2 wherein said at least one control word includes a frequency selecting control word and a delay selecting control word.
 5. An apparatus employing at least one control word for treating an input reference signal to present a synthesized output signal as recited in claim 3 wherein said first register unit employs said frequency selecting control word for providing said first clocked control signal.
 6. An apparatus employing at least one control word for treating an input reference signal to present a synthesized output signal as recited in claim 3 wherein said second register unit employs said delay selecting control word for providing said second clocked control signal.
 7. An apparatus employing at least one control word for treating an input reference signal to present a synthesized output signal as recited in claim 6 wherein said second register unit employs said delay selecting control word for providing said second clocked control signal.
 8. An apparatus employing at least one control word for treating an input reference signal to present a synthesized output signal as recited in claim 4 wherein said first register unit employs said frequency selecting control word for providing said first clocked control signal.
 9. An apparatus employing at least one control word for treating an input reference signal to present a synthesized output signal as recited in claim 4 wherein said second register unit employs said delay selecting control word for providing said second clocked control signal.
 10. An apparatus employing at least one control word for treating an input reference signal to present a synthesized output signal as recited in claim 9 wherein said second register unit employs said delay selecting control word for providing said second clocked control signal.
 11. An apparatus employing at least one control word for treating an input reference signal to present an output signal having an output frequency and a delay with respect to said input reference signal; said output frequency and said delay being related with said at least one control word; the apparatus comprising: (a) at least one multiplexer unit for receiving said at least one input reference signal; (b) an output unit coupled with said at least one multiplexer unit; said output unit generating said output signal in response to at least one drive signal received from said at least one multiplexer unit; (c) at least one first register unit coupled with said at least one multiplexer unit; and (d) at least one second register unit coupled with said at least one multiplexer unit and coupled with said at least one first register unit; said at least one first register unit responding to a clocking signal to provide at least one first clocked control signal to said at least one second register unit; said at least one first clocked control signal being based upon at least a first portion of said at least one control word; said at least one second register unit responding to said clocking signal to provide at least one second clocked control signal to said at least one multiplexer unit; said at least one second clocked control signal being based upon said at least one first clocked control signal and at least a second portion of said at least one control word; said first multiplexer unit presenting said at least one drive signal in response to said at least one second clocked control signal.
 12. An apparatus employing at least one control word for treating an input reference signal to present an output signal having an output frequency and a delay with respect to said input reference signal as recited in claim 11 wherein said clocking signal is one of said drive signal and said output signal.
 13. An apparatus employing at least one control word for treating an input reference signal to present an output signal having an output frequency and a delay with respect to said input reference signal as recited in claim 12 wherein said at least one control word includes a frequency selecting control word and a delay selecting control word.
 14. An apparatus employing at least one control word for treating an input reference signal to present an output signal having an output frequency and a delay with respect to said input reference signal as recited in claim 13 wherein said at least one first register unit employs said frequency selecting control word for providing said at least one first clocked control signal.
 15. An apparatus employing at least one control word for treating an input reference signal to present an output signal having an output frequency and a delay with respect to said input reference signal as recited in claim 13 wherein said at least one second register unit employs said delay selecting control word for providing said at least one second clocked control signal.
 16. An apparatus employing at least one control word for treating an input reference signal to present an output signal having an output frequency and a delay with respect to said input reference signal as recited in claim 14 wherein said at least one second register unit employs said delay selecting control word for providing said at least one second clocked control signal.
 17. An apparatus employing at least one control word for treating an input reference signal to present an output signal having an output frequency and a delay with respect to said input reference signal as recited in claim 12 wherein said at least one multiplexer unit is a first multiplexer unit and a second multiplexer unit; a respective second clocked control signal of said at least one second clocked control signal being provided to each of said first multiplexer unit and said second multiplexer unit; said respective first clocked control signal and said respective second clocked control signal being substantially in 180 degree phase relation.
 18. An apparatus employing at least one control word for treating an input reference signal to present an output signal having an output frequency and a delay with respect to said input reference signal as recited in claim 17 wherein said output unit selects a first output signal of said plurality of drive signals from said first multiplexer unit or selects a second drive signal of said plurality of drive signals from said second multiplexer unit; said selecting being effected in response to said output signal.
 19. A method employing at least one control word for treating an input reference signal to present a synthesized output signal; said output signal having an output frequency and a delay with respect to said input reference signal; said output frequency and said delay being related with said at least one control word; the method comprising the steps of: (a) in no particular order: (1) providing a multiplexer unit for receiving said input reference signal; said multiplexer unit having a multiplexer output locus; said multiplexer unit receiving address selection signals at an address selection locus; (2) providing an output unit coupled with said multiplexer output locus; (3) providing a first register unit coupled with said multiplexer output locus; and (4) providing a second register unit coupled with said muiltiplexer output locus, coupled with said multiplexer address selection locus and coupled with said first register unit; (b) operating said first register unit to respond to a multiplexer output signal from said multiplexer output locus to provide a first clocked control signal to said second register unit; said first clocked control signal being based upon at least a first portion of said at least one control word; (c) operating said second register unit to respond to said multiplexer output signal to provide a second clocked control signal to said multiplexer address selection locus; said second clocked control signal being based upon said first clocked control signal and at least a second portion of said at least one control word; (d) operating said multiplexer unit to present a drive signal in response to said second clocked control signal; and (e) operating said output unit to generate said output signal in response to said drive signal.
 20. A method employing at least one control word for treating an input reference signal to present a synthesized output signal as recited in claim 19 wherein said multiplexer output signal is said drive signal. 